Key Points
- A 40-year-old woman has been arrested and charged in connection with two robberies at premises on Portobello High Street.
- The first robbery occurred around 4.55pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026, involving a woman who threatened a staff member and stole a three-figure sum of money.
- A second robbery took place around 10.40am on Sunday, 1 February 2026.
- The woman is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 3 February 2026.
Portobello (Edinburgh Daily News) February 3, 2026 – A 40-year-old woman has been arrested and charged following two robberies at shops on Portobello High Street in Edinburgh.
The incidents mark a swift development after police issued an appeal for information on the initial robbery. According to the North Edinburgh News, the first event happened around 4.55pm on Saturday, 31 January, when a woman entered a premises, threatened a staff member, and fled with cash. A second robbery occurred around 10.40am the following day at another premises on the same street.
What Happened in the Portobello Robberies?
Police Scotland initially described the suspect in the Saturday incident as a white woman aged 30 to 40, around 5ft 4ins tall, of thin build, wearing a black puffer-style jacket with the hood up, dark trousers, and a purple headband, speaking with a local accent. She made off with a three-figure sum after threatening a shop worker, who was left shaken but uninjured, as reported by STV News and Police Scotland.
As reported by reporters of North Edinburgh News, the 40-year-old woman arrested matches the description and has been charged in connection with both events.
Who Is the Suspect and What Is Her Court Appearance?
The arrested woman, aged 40, is scheduled to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today, Tuesday, 3 February 2026. Earlier appeals by Detective Constable Luke Wilson urged witnesses to check private CCTV footage and contact police on 101, quoting incident number 2197 of 31 January, or Crimestoppers anonymously.
What Details Emerged from the Police Appeal?
Multiple outlets including Deadline News and The Edinburgh Reporter echoed the police description and call for information following the brazen Saturday robbery, highlighting the threat to the worker and the cash stolen.
What Happens Next in This Case?
The court appearance today will provide further updates on the charges related to the two robberies. Police continue to seek public assistance to support the investigation.
Local businesses on Portobello High Street remain vigilant after these incidents, with no reports of injuries but significant distress to staff involved.
